News Release Archive

JUSTICE--INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF COURTS
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Justice Minister Bill Gillis today announced two initiatives
designed to improve the efficiency of the court system. A
summary offences court will be created, and the adult
diversion program will continue.
The court will hear all virtually provincial summary offence
matters in Halifax County, except matters prosecuted by the
Public Prosecution Service. It will sit on week-nights in
Halifax, Bedford and Dartmouth, and will be adjudicated by
lawyers.
By removing summary offence cases from the Provincial Court
docket, the Provincial Court will be able to handle criminal
cases in a more timely manner, he said.
Approximately 90 per cent of the summary offences occur
under the Motor Vehicle Act (such as speeding cases), with
approximately 3,000 summary conviction cases being heard in
a six month period. It is estimated that the capacity of the
Provincial Court in the metro area will increase by six
court days per week.
The Department of Justice has been working with the
judiciary, policing agencies and the four municipal units in
setting up this new service.
"This change will free up judge and court room time, which
means the more serious cases can be handled in a speedier
manner," said Dr. Gillis. "We improve our efficiency,
without the expense of hiring additional judges and support
staff."
Lawyers will be hired to adjudicate, and will be recruited
from the membership of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
through advertising and interviews. Each adjudicator will be
paid approximately $30.000 annually. The court is expected
to be operational by April, 1996.
The evening hour sittings will allow for the use of existing
facilities in off-hours, offering a more convenient time for
individuals who would normally be required to take time from
work to attend court.
"We feel this initiative will help to reduce the backlog in
Provincial Court, and is truly a more effective use of
resources," said Dr. Gillis.
The minister also announced the continuation of the Adult
Diversion Project. The pilot project which began earlier
this year in Dartmouth and North Sydney has proven to be
very successful. The project is an alternative to the
traditional court process for individuals 18 years and older
who commit minor offences. It will continue in those two
jurisdictions.
Basically, the program diverts relatively minor cases from
the criminal justice process after charges are laid, but
prior to a court appearance. The case is referred by police
to probation officers, who then determine what steps can be
taken to resolve the matter.
The process examines the needs of victims and offenders by
using various community resources to peacefully and
satisfactorily resolve the damage caused by the offence.
This can include restitution, letters of apology, community
service work or counselling, he said.
"This gives both the offender and the victim an opportunity
to resolve the problem in a fair and equitable manner," said
Dr. Gillis. "We are looking at expanding the program, and
feel these initiatives are important in improving court
efficiency so that the more serious and violent cases can be
dealt with in a timely fashion."
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Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811
trp Dec. 13, 1995